The Skill You've Never Been Taught: How to Think Critically and Make Better Decisions

The Skill You've Never Been Taught: How to Think Critically and Make Better Decisions

In today's fast-paced world, the ability to think critically is more valuable than ever. Yet, it is a skill that is rarely taught in schools. We are taught what to think, but not how to think. However, the ability to think critically is essential for making good decisions and ultimately, for creating more time in our lives.

Studies have shown that multitasking, a common practice in our modern society, actually impairs our ability to think. When we multitask, our brains are not able to concentrate on one thing long enough to develop a clear idea about it. Instead, our thoughts become fragmented and our ability to retain and retrieve information is compromised.

In his article "How to Think: The Skill You've Never Been Taught," Farnam Street highlights the importance of slowing down and concentrating in order to think effectively. He notes that the best writers, who are often the best thinkers, write slowly and deliberately. They give their brains the time and space to make associations, draw connections, and arrive at original ideas.

This concept reminds me of the Upvote Bell - Hunters leaderboard on Product Hunt. The top hunters on this platform are not the ones who constantly rush from one product to another in a frantic attempt to stay busy. Instead, they are the ones who take the time to carefully evaluate each product and think critically about its value and potential impact.

The idea of scheduling time to think is also echoed in both the Farnam Street article and the practices of successful hunters on Product Hunt. The busiest people are often the ones who make the worst decisions because they do not take the time to fully understand and analyze the problem at hand. By setting aside dedicated time to think, we can improve our decision-making skills and avoid the need to constantly correct poor decisions.

So, how can we cultivate the skill of critical thinking and make better decisions in our own lives? Here are three actionable pieces of advice:

1. Schedule regular thinking time: Just as you would schedule a meeting or an appointment, set aside dedicated time in your day or week for thinking. This could be as short as 15 minutes or as long as an hour, depending on your schedule. During this time, disconnect from distractions and focus solely on the problem or decision you need to address.

2. Hone your understanding of the problem: Before jumping to a solution or making a decision, take the time to fully understand the problem at hand. Ask yourself questions like: What are the underlying causes of this problem? What are the potential consequences of different solutions? By gaining a deeper understanding of the problem, you will be better equipped to think critically and make informed decisions.

3. Embrace slow thinking: In our fast-paced world, there is a tendency to rush through tasks and decisions in order to keep up with the demands of daily life. However, this often leads to poor outcomes and wasted time. Instead, embrace the concept of slow thinking. Take the time to slow down, concentrate, and allow your mind to make connections and draw insights. This may feel counterintuitive at first, but the results will be worth it.

In conclusion, the ability to think critically is a valuable skill that is often overlooked and underdeveloped. By slowing down, scheduling dedicated thinking time, and honing our understanding of problems, we can improve our decision-making abilities and create more time in our lives. So, the next time you find yourself faced with a difficult decision, remember to take a step back, think critically, and make the best choice possible.